Margate Travel Guide
City Coastal resort town in Kent, England
A Kentish seaside town, Margate draws art-minded visitors to Turner Contemporary and weekend crowds to Dreamland’s vintage rides. The Old Town hosts cafés, secondhand shops and fish-and-chip counters; chalk cliffs and tidal pools line nearby stretches.
Why Visit Margate? #
Margate mixes retro seaside fun with a modern arts scene that draws creative travelers and beachgoers alike. Turner Contemporary gallery anchors the cultural life, Dreamland amusement park revives classic seaside entertainment, and the Old Town is full of independent shops, cafes and pastel-fronted houses. Wide sandy beaches and local seafood make it an appealing spot for a combined art-and-beach break on the Kent coast.
Who's Margate For?
Margate’s Old Town galleries, Turner Contemporary and beachside cafés create a great vibe for couples. Strolls along the sands, sunset at Dreamland and cosy supper spots combine culture and seaside charm for weekend breaks.
A lively food scene has independent cafés, seafood-focused restaurants and weekend street-food at the harbour. You’ll find creative small plates and good fish-and-chip spots alongside artisan bakeries in the Old Town.
Dreamland amusement park, sandy beaches and paddling areas give families plenty of activities. Child-friendly galleries and seasonal events keep kids engaged while older family members enjoy cafés and seaside walks.
Margate’s nightlife mixes pub culture, live music venues and seasonal club nights, particularly around the harbour and Old Town. It’s more indie and laid-back than big-city clubbing, but lively during summer weekends.
Beaches, tidal pools and nearby coastal walks offer good low-effort nature time; birdwatching on the shore and short cliff strolls are easy. It’s a good base for exploring the Thanet coastline and nearby Ramsgate.
Budget guesthouses, hostels and a compact town make Margate suitable for backpackers looking for culture, beaches and cheap eats. It’s popular with weekend travellers rather than long-term backpacking but keeps costs down.
Top Things to Do in Margate
All Attractions ›
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- Turner Contemporary - Contemporary art gallery in a converted harbour-side building with Turner exhibitions and views.
- Dreamland Margate - Retro amusement park with vintage rides, arcade games, and seasonal live events.
- Margate Main Sands - Wide sandy beach popular for paddling, kite-surfing, and long summer promenades.
- Margate Old Town - Narrow streets lined with independent shops, antique stores, cafes, and street art.
- Shell Grotto - Underground passage lavishly decorated with millions of shells forming mysterious mosaics.
- Walpole Bay Tidal Pool - Victorian tidal pool that offers calm seawater swims at low tide.
- Tom Thumb Theatre - Tiny professional theatre hosting fringe plays and community-focused performances throughout the year.
- Margate Museum - Local history displays covering seaside culture, archaeology, and Margate's maritime past.
- Westbrook Bay - Quieter sandy stretch west of town, favored for dog walks and sunsets.
- Canterbury Cathedral - Majestic medieval cathedral with Norman architecture, stained glass, and Pilgrims' history.
- Whitstable - Charming harbour town famous for oysters, independent shops, and pebble beach.
- Dungeness - Otherworldly shingle headland with a lighthouse, unique flora, and art installations.
- Leeds Castle - Moated castle set in landscaped gardens offering historic rooms and seasonal events.
- Dover Castle - Extensive medieval fortress overlooking the White Cliffs, with wartime tunnels to explore.
Where to Go in Margate #
Old Town
Margate’s Old Town has been the centre of its cultural comeback: art spaces, secondhand shops and a handful of brilliant cafés. It’s the spot for gallery-hopping and chilled lunches, and you’ll hear locals talking about the Turner Contemporary as the anchor. Great for a long afternoon exploring.
Top Spots
- Turner Contemporary - major modern art gallery on the seafront.
- Margate Old Town galleries - independent galleries, antique shops and cafés.
- Shell Grotto - mysterious subterranean passage decorated with shells.
Harbour Arm
The Harbour Arm is where Margate parties lightly: a patchwork of food stalls, live music in warmer months and great sunset views over the channel. It’s compact but atmospheric - the best place to grab a casual bite and watch the light change over the sea.
Top Spots
- Margate Harbour Arm - converted pier with pop-up kitchens, summer events and sea views.
- Margate Harbour - fishing boats and colourful harbourfront scenes.
- Harbour cafés - small seafood and coffee spots along the quay.
Dreamland & Cliftonville
Dreamland is equal parts nostalgia and family fun - the rides and vintage vibe pull in a mixed crowd. Cliftonville to the east is quietly residential with some independent shops and budget accommodation. Together they’re the noisy, playful side of Margate that many people come for.
Top Spots
- Dreamland - retro amusement park with nostalgic rides and seasonal gigs.
- Margate Main Sands - wide shallow beach popular with families.
- Cliftonville promenades - classic seafront terraces and budget stays.
Plan Your Visit to Margate #
Best Time to Visit Margate #
Visit Margate between late spring and early autumn (May-September) for the warmest, sunniest days, beaches and the bustling cultural calendar. Margate's mild maritime climate is changeable-aim for May-June or September for pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and better deals.
Best Time to Visit Margate #
Margate's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (537 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 61 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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How to Get to Margate
Margate is easiest reached by rail - Margate station links the town to London and other parts of Kent - while several London airports serve as international gateways. If you fly in expect a change in London and a further rail leg; coaches are cheaper but slower.
London Gatwick (LGW): Gatwick is a common choice for international arrivals. From Gatwick take Thameslink or Gatwick Express to London (Victoria or London Bridge) and change for Southeastern services to Margate (arriving at Margate station); door-to-door travel typically takes about 2-2½ hours. Expect combined fares in the region of £30-£60 depending on advance tickets and time of day.
London Heathrow (LHR): From Heathrow, take the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line into central London (Paddington or via the Elizabeth Line to central stations) then change onto Southeastern services to Margate. Journey times are usually around 2½-3 hours and combined fares commonly range from £35-£70 depending on ticket types.
London City (LCY): London City is the closest airport geographically to east London/Canary Wharf. From LCY take the DLR to Bank/Canning Town and connect into national rail services (usually via London St Pancras or London Bridge) to Margate; total travel time is often about 2-2½ hours, with fares typically between £25-£50.
Train: Margate is served by Margate station on the Southeastern network. High-speed services from London St Pancras International provide the fastest rail route (journeys commonly around 1¼-1¾ hours), while classic services from London Victoria/Charing Cross take longer (about 2-2½ hours). Typical single fares from London vary widely by advance/off-peak/peak tickets - roughly £15-£40 for most journeys.
Bus: National Express and other coach operators run services between London and the Thanet area (Margate/Westgate-on-Sea/Ramsgate); coaches are cheaper but slower than trains (expect about 3-4 hours depending on traffic). Local buses around the Thanet peninsula are operated primarily by Stagecoach East Kent, useful for short trips between Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate (single fares usually a few pounds).
How to Get Around Margate
Margate is best navigated by train for intercity travel and on foot or by local bus for short trips within the town. Taxis and a car are helpful for convenience or reaching outlying spots, but walking and cycling are the most pleasant ways to explore the seafront and Old Town.
- Trains (Southeastern) (£15-£40) - Southeastern operates the mainline and high-speed services to Margate. The high-speed route from London St Pancras is the quickest rail option into Thanet; services from London Victoria/Charing Cross are slower but run direct at regular intervals. Book advance tickets for the best prices and check peak/off-peak differences - trains are reliable and the best choice for day trips to and from London.
- Coaches (National Express and others) (£6-£20) - National Express and other long‑distance coach operators serve Margate and the wider Thanet area from London coach stations. Coaches are inexpensive and useful when travelling on a budget, but journeys are significantly slower than trains and subject to road congestion - expect longer door-to-door times, especially at peak hours.
- Local buses (Stagecoach East Kent) (£2-£4) - Stagecoach East Kent runs local routes across the Thanet peninsula linking Margate with Broadstairs, Ramsgate and surrounding villages. Buses are handy for short hops where trains don't run and for late-evening travel when rail frequencies drop. Have small change or buy tickets via the operator app for convenience; single fares are usually a few pounds.
- Taxi & private hire (£6-£30) - Taxis and private-hire apps operate in Margate and are the most convenient door-to-door option, especially late at night or with luggage. Short in-town rides typically cost modest amounts (£6-£15 depending on distance); trips to nearby towns or the station will be higher. Pre-book for airport transfers if you need a fixed price or larger vehicle.
- Car & parking (£3-£20 per day) - Driving gives flexibility for exploring the coast and nearby Kent countryside; Margate is reached via the A299 (Thanet Way). There are several pay-and-display car parks and on-street parking areas-expect daily parking fees that vary by location and season. Traffic can be busy in summer weekends, and a car is less useful for journeys into central London.
- Cycling (£0-£15 per day) - Margate is compact and reasonably cycle-friendly with flat sections along the seafront and quieter lanes inland. Bring your own bike for the best value; local hire options may be available seasonally from private shops. Cycling is excellent for short sightseeing trips and getting around the seafront without parking hassles.
- Walking - The town centre, Old Town, Turner Contemporary and the beachfront are all easily explored on foot. Walking is often the fastest and most enjoyable way to see Margate's attractions up close - wear comfortable shoes for pebbled promenades and uneven lanes.
Where to Stay in Margate #
- Walpole Bay Hotel (budget rooms available off-season) - Historic seafront hotel with simple rooms
- The Sands Hotel - Classic marginally priced seafront rooms
- Local mid-range hotels (listings) - Comfortable stays near attractions
- Various boutique mid-range options (listings) - Good value boutique choices
- Boutique luxury guesthouses (local) - Upscale rooms and personalised service
- Top boutique hotels (listings) - Limited full-luxury options locally
- Walpole Bay Hotel - Historic, seafront and central location
- The Sands Hotel - Straightforward seafront base
- Walpole Bay Hotel - Family rooms and beach access
- The Sands Hotel - Seafront rooms close to family attractions
- Walpole Bay Hotel - Quiet off-season, decent Wi‑Fi
- Boutique stays with workspaces (listings) - Some rooms with desks available
Where to Eat in Margate #
Margate has reinvented itself as a lively seaside destination with a strong independent food scene. The Old Town is the culinary hub: cosy cafés, artisan bakeries and inventive restaurants mix with traditional fish-and-chip shops on the seafront. The Ambrette is one of the better-known tables for a refined, Indian-inspired tasting experience, while smaller bistros and cafés focus on seasonal produce and relaxed dining.
It’s a town for leisurely eating - morning coffee and cake, seaside fish and chips for lunch, and thoughtful small-plate dinners in the evening. The independent nature of Margate’s scene means you’ll find creative vegetarian and seafood-forward options alongside the seaside classics.
- The Ambrette - Modern Indian-inspired small plates, Margate.
- Old Town fish and chip shops - Classic seaside battered fish and chips.
- Margate Old Town cafés - Artisanal breakfasts and local cakes.
- Independent bistros in Old Town - Mediterranean and European small plates.
- Casual Asian spots - Sushi, ramen and pan-Asian small restaurants.
- Seafront cafés and brasseries - Light international dishes with a view.
- Cafés around the Old Town - Strong vegetarian brunch and cake choices.
- Vegetarian-friendly restaurants - Small-plate menus with dedicated veggie options.
- Bakery and deli spots - Savory vegetarian pastries and salads.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Margate's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Margate #
Margate’s nightlife mixes laid-back pubs, indie bars and an arty crowd drawn by the Turner Contemporary and the Old Town. Westbrook and Harbour Arm have lively summer evenings; the Old Town hosts intimate live-music bars, retro clubs and late-night cafés. The town is small but the scene feels creative and local. Practical tips: many venues are busiest from late spring to autumn; expect lines at popular spots on weekends. Dress smart-casual for trendier bars; watch out for parking restrictions if driving.
Best Bets
- Turner Contemporary (evening events) - Gallery events and occasional evening openings with drinks.
- Old Town bars - Small cocktail bars, pubs and music nights in converted spaces.
- Margate Harbour Arm - Seasonal food-and-drink pop-ups and late-summer gatherings.
- Dreamland (events and late openings) - Retro amusement park with evening events and seasonal concerts.
- Northdown Road cafés and bars - Eclectic cafés turning into chilled evening hangouts.
- Independent music venues - Small venues hosting local bands and DJ nights.
Shopping in Margate #
Margate’s shopping mixes seaside souvenir stalls, independent boutiques in the Old Town and arts‑led shops around Turner Contemporary. Dreamland and Margate’s Old Town are the places to find vintage, handmade goods and quirky homeware; food and gallery shops often stock locally made gifts. Come prepared to explore narrow streets and pop‑ups - independent sellers change frequently, so peak weekends are best for variety.
Best Bets
- Turner Contemporary shop - Selected art books, prints and local design gifts.
- Dreamland Margate - Family‑oriented spot with seasonal pop‑up shops and kiosks.
- Margate Old Town boutiques - Independent fashion, vintage and design stores.
- Shell Grotto gift shop - Quirky souvenirs beside the famous grotto attraction.
- Margate Harbour/Harbour Arm stalls - Seasonal makers and food stalls near the water.
- High Street & local independent traders - Practical shopping mixed with second‑hand and antique finds.
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